The Russians lost altogether 256 officers and 12,000 men in killed and wounded. We lost in killed 597 officers and men, and had nearly 2,000 wounded.
* * * * *
The battle of Inkermann may well be called the soldiers' own battle, for never before, perhaps, since the days of old was there so much hand-to-hand fighting, and so much display of courage and determination both in officers and in men, individually, in small groups, and shoulder to shoulder in line.
I wish I had space in which to speak and tell you of the many deeds of valour done this day single-handed. I shall—because I must—resist the temptation to do so, merely adding that nowhere in the open field, either in regiments or single-handed, did the Russians prove themselves any match for the British, and God grant they never may.
* * * * *
Long after nightfall our doctors were busy indeed. Our own wounded must first be seen to, and then those of the enemy—for the British are ever merciful. Neither Jack nor Dr. Reikie nor Paddy O'Rayne was wounded; and although the worthy Scotch surgeon's arm was stiff and painful, hardly did he close an eye that night, so much had he to do. Jack and O'Rayne both helped him, but sank at last with exhaustion, so Reikie plodded on in his good work until day began to dawn. Nature would be resisted no longer, and the poor fellow fell asleep on the battle-field itself. He did not wake for hours.
O'Rayne and Jack had both been searching for him.
"An' sure here you are at last, sorr. Troth, I thought it was dade entoirely you were."
"I'm all right," said Dr. Reikie, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
"And it's as plazed as the pigs we both are, sorr, for that same. Sure we belaved some wounded Russian had kilt you."